Tom Coughlin will be back as head coach of the Giants next season even though for the past few weeks there has been much speculation — all from outside the organization — that his job security was not certain.

“Nothing surprises me here [in] New York,” Coughlin said after the Giants beat the Redskins 17-14 in the season finale. “I don’t really know all that goes on in your world because I just don’t pay any attention to it, but I do know every time we lose a game you better get your ‘For Sale’ sign out. Do I like it? Of course not. Who likes that? Who appreciates that?”

What Coughlin does appreciate is that Giants ownership took stock of his past with the team and did not judge him on losses to the Eagles and Packers or that the Giants missed out on the playoffs for a second consecutive year.

“This organization, in my opinion, has always been known for that,” Coughlin said. “I’m a very grateful to have the opportunity to be the head coach here. I think this is a very, very strong organization with outstanding leadership and very, very consistent from generation to generation in how these kind of things are handled.”

Players were highly supportive of Coughlin in the past week and dismissive of any need for a change. They stuck to that script after word came down from co-owner John Mara that no change is forthcoming.

“The respect level we have for [Coughlin] is tremendous,” Justin Tuck said. “I just don’t see how you upgrade in that position. Super Bowl, playoff berths, since I’ve been here we haven’t had a losing record. I’m really comfortable and excited with the fact he’ll be back next year and we can go at this thing again.”

Osi Umenyiora also praised Coughlin.

“We like him. He’s a good coach. He’s our coach,” Umenyiora said. “Everybody has their ups and downs, but at the end of the day, he’s a good coach, and we love him. He’s one of the best coaches in football.

“Anytime something like that [losses to the Eagles and Packers] happens, there’s going to be speculation. But you’re not going to find coaches better than him. He can’t go out on the football field. He didn’t give up 21 points in the last eight minutes of the game. That was all on us. If anything, they should be talking about firing some of the players.”